When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

A woman who was left fighting for her life after a devastating crash has shared her story of recovery.

On December 30 last year Alison Allen was travelling towards Mildenhall to visit her parents for some Christmas cake.

But her car was struck head-on by a black Audi - so powerfully it flipped into the air.

The impact of the crash was so intense that it caused Alison's jeans to cut into her back, and down to her spine.

Her injuries left her fighting for her life. She suffered over 50 per cent blood loss, a shattered pelvis, a broken femur, a broken back, a 12 inch wound down to the spine, internal bleeding and a haemothorax – when blood collects in part of the lung.

It took her more than three months just to be able to walk again - but now she is well on the road to recovery and will spend Christmas with her family.

Read More

Related Articles

Alison, 40, said: “My husband and I were curled up on the sofa when I suggested going to visit my parents for a cup of tea and some Christmas cake.

“I remember getting into my car. I was driving and my husband Simon was in the passenger seat.

“We were travelling towards Mildenhall along the A1065. The next thing was an almighty bang as we were hit head-on on the driver’s side by a Black Audi A4. Our car was flipped into the air, then landed and began to slide.

“The car eventually came to a standstill in a wooded area off the road. Simon said I was fading in and out of consciousness a lot and he had no idea what injuries I had sustained.”

The wreckage of Alison Allen's car after the head-on crash near Mildenhall (Image: East Anglian Air Ambulance)

Alison was cut free from her car by fire crews and airlifted to hospital by a team at the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA).

Critical care paramedic at EAAA, Andy Downes, said: “When we arrived on scene that day Alison was not in a good way. Her injuries were horrific and she really was fighting for her life."

She was placed on a life support machine for the next four days. She had seven hours of surgery on her pelvis, which was put back together using steel rods and screws.

Alison then had an eight-hour operation to fix her right leg before later being transferred to the hospital’s high dependency unit, where she spent just over two weeks.

Read More

Related Articles

She added: “My legs were seriously wobbling, but I was definitely standing and it felt fantastic.

“I then took my first step and proceeded to walk about eight meters in the first go - it was utterly fantastic! I was discharged the following Wednesday and began my recovery at home.

“I have been working hard with my physiotherapists and I’m convinced I will regain a full recovery.

Alison Allen suffered over 50 per cent blood loss, a shattered pelvis, a broken femur, a broken back, a 12 inch wound down to the spine, internal bleeding and a haemothorax (Image: East Anglian Air Ambulance)

“I know the surgeons, consultants and their teams worked miracles on me, but, if it hadn’t been for the amazing air ambulance team saving me, there wouldn’t have been any work for Addenbrooke’s to do.

“I am completely indebted to EAAA and intend to fundraise and volunteer for them. I will never be able to thank them enough for saving my life that day.”